First person shooters (FPS) have been around longer than anyone cares to remember; and they’ve not really changed much since bar a few landmark titles such as Halo. However, this debut game by Respawn Entertainment has on board one of the key designers of the Call of Duty franchise. Whilst Titanfall still very recognisable as an FPS, it’s a real game-changer for the genre.
Parkour Up Your Troubles
One of the main features you have as a “pilot” is the ability to double jump and run along the sides of walls using your handy jet-pack. This means that scaling buildings and getting around is completely different from the usual. Also, in FPS view, this looks absolutely stunning and creates a real adrenaline rush as you watch the world whizz by around and below you.
Who’s Da Big Daddy?
The other main aspect of the game is the ability to climb inside giant pieces of mechanised armour. This adds a completely new dynamic to gameplay where you sacrifice swift mobility for power and brawn.
They also add some wonderfully crazy juxtapositions of scale. You can either take on goliath as David, quivering underneath the sheer size of these mechs, or go robo-e-robo whilst other players look like playful (but deadly) kittens beneath your feet.
It’s certainly a dizzying switch and is something quite unique.
Pick n’ Mix
Apart from the breathtaking gameplay, what’s realy interesting is the scope of ways players can tailor their approach to battle approaches. Games which usually boast of customisable gameplay that “suits” the player really only give two option; sneaky, or guns blazing. In Titanfall, however, there are three varying levels of stealth/damage for your “pilot”. You then go on to chose your Titan of similar stealth/damage classes.
The result is the ability to either choose a Titan that compliments or offsets your pilot’s abilities, enabling you to be more versatile, or build on your strengths. And given that every player can choose any number of these combinations available, it means that the battles themselves are wholly unpredictable. This means strategy and teamwork will be essential rather than opting for the “blow sh*t up and kill things” approach that has been the standard, especially as there is absolutely no single-player campaign.
An Epilogue
Furthermore, rather than just an abrupt win/loose ending to each battle, there’s an “epilogue” where the loosing team need to flee their defeat. Fighting suddenly turns to pursuit and escape on a dime, keeping both teams on their toes if they want either extra points, or not be too humiliated.
[It] will make you forget Halo ever existed.
Overall
Titanfall really does live up to its hype, and is a title that really does trump anything that the PlayStation 4 has to offer at launch. It will leave you literally breathless; your heart pounding and adrenaline rushing through your veins. Intelligent, visually astounding, and hectic, this is an FPS like no other. Destined to be a phenomenal landmark title that will make you forget Halo ever existed.
This review was done after experiencing the available demo at Eurogamer Expo 2013. Changes to gameplay may be made before the title’s eventual release. To learn more about the game, visit www.titanfall.com.
